I began writing in my early teens and maintained the hobby for twenty years before making the professional shift. I remember late nights spent with my best girlfriend, staying up and reading to her the zany stories I'd dreamt up. God bless her for endless patience and the toleration required to listen to my, admittedly terrible, creations. If you're out there, Lynnie, thank you.

In my junior year English class, when I was supposed to be watching Watership Down, I started my first real romance novel. It remains my favorite work -- probably because I spent a good five to six years getting to know the characters and I grew alongside them. While that venture remains under the bed, it led to bigger, more exciting paths.

Writing isn't my only career, nor my only passion. When I'm not sitting at the computer and ticking out plotlines, I manage my farm. We raise horses, pigs, and chickens -- no doubt you've heard some crazy chicken reference if you've spent much time with me! Our goal is to become self-sufficient and re-vitalize heirloom breeds and crops. Each year we get a little closer...if I got along as well with plants as I do animals we'd be much closer.

Above all things, however, I am a mother of two boys. I never thought I'd be the "boy kind of mom" but they are my greatest blessings and my joy. I've learned how to look at bugs in a whole new light, discovered mud isn't so terribly awful, and that little boys aren't just made of frogs, snails and puppy dog tails -- they have a great deal of sugar and spice thrown in also.

I owe a great deal to my family and friends. Their patience, encouragement, and willingness to listen to me drone on and on about my latest idea has allowed me to pursue my dreams. Thanks go out to them!